YJ Ghost Cube

YJ Ghost Cube 1x3x3

YJ Ghost Cube combines two well-known puzzles: the Ghost Cube and the Floppy Cube (1x3x3). It has a single 3x3 layer, just like a floppy, but its pieces are cut unevenly, as in the Ghost Cube. The puzzle changes shape after every move, and when solved it forms a flat, even square. The body is black and the stickers are metallic, in silver or gold. All stickers are the same colour, so you have to look at the shape of the pieces rather than at colours.

How to solve it

Every move is a 180° turn of a side. If you turn the same side a second time, you return to the state before the move. The shape-shifting mainly makes it harder to read the state of the puzzle. Once you know all the pieces, the solving method itself is not much harder. There are no two identical pieces here, and the corners can end up in different positions and be twisted. That gives you more to keep track of than on a regular Floppy Cube, where a corner can't be twisted in place.

In practice, the YJ Ghost Cube is much easier than the classic 3x3 Ghost Cube. On your first attempt, though, it can still surprise you, because after a few moves it's hard to tell what the solved square looked like.

Who is it for?

For anyone who has already solved a 3x3 cube and wants to try shape-shifting puzzles (shape mods) without a steep learning curve. It also works well as a small, affordable addition to a collection or as a gift for a child who enjoys brain teasers. Solving instructions are included, so you don't have to work out a method on your own. This puzzle is not allowed in official WCA competitions.

Specifications

• Type: 1x3x3 shape-shifting puzzle (Ghost Cube / Floppy Cube)
• Manufacturer: YJ (YongJun)
• Solved dimensions: approx. 57 x 57 mm
• Weight: approx. 48 g
• Finish: black body with metallic stickers
• Variants: Black/silver, Black/golden
• Official competitions: no
• In the box: puzzle, solving instructions